Category: New GPS

#TruckTechTuesday: Fleetmatics and ExpressIFTA

Posted on August 11, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, ExpressIFTA, Expresstrucktax.com, IFTA, New GPS


It’s #TruckTechTuesday, Trucking Nation! And you know what that means, we’re going to talk about how to make your trucking experience better with apps and accessories.

This week, it’s all about trucker-centric GPS. These are specialized GPS systems that help truckers follow the right roads, stay safe, and avoid violations of the trucking rule book. One of the best trucking GPS systems on the market right now is Fleetmatics.

Fleetmatics is a GPS solution to save you on fuel costs, and it can potentially save you some on your insurance premiums. This GPS is designed specifically for trucker safety, and it’s GPS files are trusted by ExpressIFTA!

When you use Fleetmatics in order to haul goods from place to place, you get more than just a GPS system. You can also create detailed digital trucking logs, fuel and mileage logs for IFTA, and it will help you avoid roads not made for trucks. That means no more turning around, or finding yourself at a loss for where to go. That can definitely save you time, and fuel! Plus, since it’s integrated with ExpressIFTA, there’s no guess work when it comes to filing for your fuel taxes.


And that’s not all. You can also get real-time HOS status information, both on the road and in the office. Plus Fleetmatics is all about staying compliant with the entire trucking handbook. It can even send proactive alerts to drivers in real time that can help prevent violations. And it can send alerts to ExpressIFTA, and you can upload all of your GPS information to ExpressIFTA as well! In fact, Fleetmatic’s GPS output is the only one ExpressIFTA currently accepts.

Over the past five years, Fleetmatics has saved drivers over $2 Billion in fuel savings and has prevented millions of moving and rule book violations. Not to mention, the digital logbook is a lifesaver for when you use ExpressIFTA to file for your fuel taxes. Because trust us when we say that keeping detailed records will save you in the long run.

With everything Fleetmatics has to offer, along with ExpressIFTA accepting their GPS files exclusively, it’s no wonder so many people in the trucking industry rely on it to get them safely from place to place. And to record some very detailed, by-the-book trucking, fuel, and mileage logs that will save you so many headaches along the way.

If you have any questions, comments, or more #TruckTech you want to see featured here, drop us a line on our Facebook or Twitter. We love hearing trucking stories and learning about new truck tech!

And if you find yourself with any questions about the e-filing process, we’re here for you. Just give our support legends a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 support in English and Spanish.

Trucking Technology: What’s new for the tech savvy trucker?

Posted on March 24, 2014 by - infrared brake detection, New GPS, trucker technology

New Bluetooth options, GPS gadgets, and infrared faulty break detectors – Oh My! We are in a technology driven world and many companies are pulling out all the stops to keep up with the trucking industry. Now even if you are not the best tech wrangler, these new gadgets are super user friendly and provide a great bang for your hard earned buck.

New Bluetooth Options
Who doesn’t love Bluetooth. Since hand-held cell phone use by commercial drivers has been banned, Bluetooth turned into a great option for drivers who need to stay connected. There is a Bluetooth for everyone and here are some of the latest and greatest options:

Aliph Jawbone Era – It’s the first Bluetooth headset with an accelerometer and dedicated applications processor, which could turn into anything from a game controller to a pedometer, or a navigation unit. –Crazy what they can come up with, uh? – Reviews do show mixed results on sound quality, so that is something to look into before purchasing, but it is a nifty little gizmo that has a wide rage of usage.


Plantronics Voyager Legend – If you don’t mind a bigger headset – which usually stay in place better – the Voyager Legend is a great option to consider. It is an evolution on an award-winning design that works well for commercial drivers because it has amazing sound quality. Reviews have been extremely positive on the sound quality and people love the magnetic charging connector to help save battery life. This latest model features improved hardware controls that are really easy to find and use.

Motorola Roadster 2 – First – Love the name, really appeals to the inner racer in us all. This option is great if you do not want a flashing Bluetooth in your ear. It is a hands-free device – always a good option when on the road – that clips right to the visor of your truck. It has a FM transmitter that allows you to broadcast calls, music, and apps to your stereo speakers. The sound quality is very clear and this Bluetooth received high rating for ease of use.

New GPS Option
Rand McNally has released their 3rd generation Truck GPS – Rand McNally TND 720 LM IntelliRoute. This new updated version was created via driver request. The 720 allows you to input your truck specific information to help ease the driving. It comes with a few Wi-Fi connected services with no subscription costs – weather, fuel prices, and local search. Some of the truck-friendly features include:

    Route comparisons – there is almost always more than 1 way to somewhere and the route comparison allows you to weigh your options.

    Lifetime Maps
    Millions of Points of Interests
    State Mileage and Fuel Logs – Great for IFTA
    Driving Timers

    Now what was that you said about Infrared Faulty-Brake Detection?
    The Washington State Police and the Washington DOT have launched a program that detects faulty brakes on trucks through the use of infrared technology. Here’s how it works:

      Trucks drive over embedded cameras at the DuPont, Washington weigh station. The cameras use thermography to assess the condition of the breaks. If the brakes are working, a red color is indicated on the controller’s computer screen. If the brakes are not good, a blue color is indicated.

        Washington is the only state to utilize this brake-checking technology.

        Technology will never stop improving and the right technology is an invaluable asset to the trucking industry. Bluetooth is great when needing to stay in constant communication, just remember to keep distractions to a minimum so you are safer on the road. For GPS updates, we are always looking for the latest and greatest, one of the big features we will be looking out for is automatic IFTA uploads –wouldn’t that simplify your IFTA return. And if you are ever in Washington state and hit the DuPont weigh station, your truck is being scanned by the most innovative brake checking technology. Stay safe out there, over and out.